Best Canada & New England Cruise Tips

What do you get when you combine the joy of Christian cruising with natural wonders and stunning fall foliage? A cruise to Canada and New England! Iconic lighthouses and quaint fishing villages of the northern Atlantic are just some of the hidden gems on a cruise to this storied region.

Imagine your ship gliding past a stunning backdrop of reds, oranges and yellows as you breathe in crisp fall air. In port, you can savor fresh lobster in Bar Harbor, Maine, or explore the cobblestone streets of Quebec City. A Christian cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, especially when your experience includes powerful Bible teaching and spirit-lifting music with other believers.

Here are a few of the questions we’re frequently asked about our Canada & New England cruises, along with our best tips.

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What can I expect on a Canada & New England cruise?

Cool temperatures and autumn beauty make these cruises—filled with spectacular landscapes, historic towns, cultural experiences and life-giving Christian fellowship—some of our favorites. While in port on our Christian cruises, you’ll visit quaint coastal villages filled with natural wonder and friendly residents. On your luxurious cruise ship, you’ll enjoy dynamic sessions from some of the best and most beloved speakers and Christian artists.

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What are the top destinations in the region?

You’ll see some of the most picture-perfect scenery in North America as you visit ports like:

• Rockland, Maine, and its serene ocean views
• Halifax, Nova Scotia, with its rich maritime history
• Sydney, Nova Scotia, and its stunning seaside landscapes
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the idyllic setting of Anne of Green Gables
• Quebec City, Quebec, is renowned for its historic architecture and European charm
• And more!

You can read our detailed blog on these destinations by clicking here.

Do I need a passport on my Canada & New England cruise?

Yes! Americans need a valid passport to enter Canada and return to the United States. In fact, many cruise line policies require passengers to carry a passport for international cruises regardless of the ports of call.

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What kind of weather should I expect on my Canada & New England cruise?

You’re in luck because the autumn season in Canada and New England is consistently beautiful. Expect daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 60s, with cool mornings and evenings marked by refreshing lows in the 40s. Occasional rain is possible, so be sure to pack a light rain jacket, and of course, be prepared for weather changes.

What should I pack for my Canada & New England cruise?

Considering the typical weather (see above), we recommend packing casual clothes, including pants, jeans, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses, a lightweight sweater or jacket, and a heavier sweater or jacket. Layers are always a good idea, like a rain jacket paired with a compact umbrella.

Depending on the length of your cruise, one or two evenings may require semiformal or dress attire. You’ll also want to bring a bathing suit and cover-up or wrap, a hat and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and a small bag or backpack for days in port.

Read our detailed packing checklist and packing tips here.

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What shore excursions do you recommend?

These are our top shore excursion recommendations for your Canada & New England cruise.

• You’ll want to visit the picturesque fishing village and iconic lighthouse of Peggy’s Cove in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Pause in the cemetery where many victims of the Titanic are buried. (Halifax played a key role in recovering bodies from the disaster.)
• Sydney, Nova Scotia, is also a very popular port. Our travelers enjoy visiting the 18th-century Fortress of Louisbourg or the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the nearby village of Baddeck.
• Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is known worldwide as the setting for L.M. Montgomery’s famous novel Anne of Green Gables. A popular tour allows cruisers to visit the Green Gables house.
• Quebec City is best explored on foot, and we recommend a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with cobblestone streets, charming architecture and stone buildings. However, the hills in Quebec City can make this a strenuous walk. Another option is one of their famous horse and carriage tours.

How do I book a shore excursion?

Checking in for your cruise is simple:

1. Go to the Holland America website and click “Manage My Cruise” at the top of the page.
2. Then select “Check In.”
3. Log in using the booking number on your Inspiration invoice and the password connected to your Holland America account.
4. Once you’ve logged in, complete the information as requested.

You will need your passport information, credit card information for onboard credit, emergency contact information and other cruise details.

Upon completing the check-in process, you will receive your boarding pass. You may print or load these passes into the Navigator app for digital use. Please refer to this video for a full tutorial on checking in for your cruise.

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What is the Navigator app?

Once you have checked in to your cruise online and have a boarding pass, you can download and log in to the Navigator app, designed to enhance your cruising experience. It provides many features to help you stay informed, book shore excursions and maximize your time onboard. No Wi-Fi is needed to use it aboard your luxurious ship.

Once you’ve downloaded the Navigator app from your device’s app store, you will need your Mariner number (on your boarding pass). Check out this resource video on how to log in to the app.

We’re already looking forward to our next Canada & New England cruise and would love for you to join us. Check out our upcoming cruises below and put one on your calendar today!